Treating Pet Depression
Do you think your pet may be suffering from depression or another emotional issue? If so, you might want to consider giving it “puppy Prozac.” Many pet owners are finding that giving their pets this medication, which is actually an antidepressant called clomipramine or another antidepressant called fluoxetine, can help control aggressive behavior as well as obsessive compulsive tendencies.
The Effects of Antidepressants on Pets
The effects of antidepressants on pets vary according to each pet and the type of behavior that needs to be controlled. In the case of aggressive dogs, for example, clomipramine can help calm the pooch down and make it less reactive to situations. For dogs and cats that obsessively lick themselves, the medication can curb this behavior. The same is true when it comes to birds that obsessively pick their feathers.
Many pet owners are also finding that antidepressants are helpful when it comes to pets suffering from separation anxiety. Some pets, particularly dogs, can be quite problematic when left home alone. The problems can range from tearing up the home to urinating on furniture. With the help of antidepressants, this behavior can be curbed.
Side Effects of Antidepressants in Pets
Veterinarians generally consider antidepressants to be safe for pets to use. In fact, there has never been a pet death associated with using these drugs. There are, however, a few potential side effects to using these drugs. These include:
Anxiety
Lack of appetite
Sluggishness
For these reasons, some veterinarians recommend making dietary changes and utilizing behavior management techniques before resorting to using puppy Prozac.
Dealing with Your Pet’s Fears
In addition to the antidepressants for treating aggression and anxiety, some pets can benefit from Valium and Elavil. These medications are mostly used to treat pets that exhibit aggressive behavior out of fear or for territorial reasons. This medication can be useful when a pet becomes upset when a new baby is added to the household or when introducing the pet to a situation that would typically make it feel fearful or full of anxiety. With the help of these medications, your pet will respond in a less aggressive fashion to situations it finds to be stressful.
Keeping Your Pet Safe
Although these medications are generally considered to be safe for pets to use, care must be taken before administering the medication. Most importantly, the veterinarian needs to perform a physical in order to make certain there are no underlying health issues causing the problems. Your vet may also suggest a few forms of behavior therapy before prescribing medication.
If you and your vet do decide to medicate your pet in order to control its behaviors, it is important to have regular check-ups. This way, you can be certain your pet is not experiencing any adverse effects from the medication and you can monitor the effectiveness of the prescription.
“Puppy Prozac” is not just for dogs. Whether you are a cat owner, a bird owner, or the owner of a different type of pet, there may be a medical answer to problematic behavior. Consult with your veterinarian so you can explore your options and make both you and your pet much happier.
